In this interview, Sherry Cola and Leah Lewis discuss what it was that drew them to be a part of The Tiger’s Apprentice and what they were excited to see on screen.
When Tom suddenly finds himself as the Guardian of the phoenix, he must learn about the world he always thought was just bedtime stories and myths — and train to take on the treacherous Loo. The Tiger’s Apprentice is based on a popular children’s book series and will help teach viewers around the world about the Chinese Zodiac and culture.
We caught up with Sherry Cola (Monkey) and Leah Lewis (Rav) to talk about this film, which is now streaming on Paramount+. They reveal what it was that made them want to be a part of the film, as well as what they were excited to see come to life on screen after reading the script.
Sherry Cola & Leah Lewis On The Tiger’s Apprentice
Tessa Smith: I’d love to know what it was for you guys that made you want to be a part of The Tiger’s Apprentice.
Sherry Cola: I mean, first off the fact that it was a trilogy of books that children loved and bringing that to life already was so appealing. After the audition process, I just got more and more excited because being the monkey, I’m the year of the snake, but I know there’s so many different qualities and traits of all the animals and Lunar New Year is something I celebrate heavily. I’m saying like, when the clock hits midnight, my mom and I go to the Buddhist temple, we pray. I believe in all that stuff. So I think just bringing the heritage on the screen was the biggest plus for me. On top of the fact that this cast is iconic. I mean, no notes.
Leah Lewis: Right off the bat when this film was presented to me, just the concept of everything, and also similarly what Sherry was talking about when it comes to heritage. I mean, even if I wasn’t a part of this film, I would have been deeply, deeply excited and proud that this film is getting made to begin with, because it has so much representation for the AAPI community. Hearing that I was also getting to be a part of a film that told such a beautiful story about culture, sacrifice, and finding oneself. And then like, getting to play with my heroes, again, the cast that is a part of this, I’ve grown up watching them and just dreaming that I could maybe achieve any of some of the things that they paved the way for young creatives, like ourselves, to do. So to be a part of that, it was kind of a dream come true. And even now, I’m still pinching myself that this is happening.
Sherry Cola: Yeah, the reason why we even have a seat at the table is because of what these Trailblazers did.
Leah Lewis: They walked so we could run. Actually no, they ran and now we’re all running.
Tessa Smith: So when you guys got the script, was there something you were most excited to see come out on the screen, like maybe a certain sequence or a character like your character,
Leah Lewis: The umbrella.
Sherry Cola: I literally was gonna say something umbrella related. Just the fact that Michelle Yeoh is the villain. And is so good. There’s the magical umbrella, there’s a lot going on. And it just works so perfectly. I was thrilled to see that come to life, for sure.
Leah Lewis: I was, I want to say there was a certain sequence, but especially when it comes down to animation, and just letting you guys in on the world a little bit. We don’t really get to see that much. I was just excited to see all of it in general, knowing that all these different talented people who have such distinct personalities, just like the Zodiac, were going to play a part of it. I was kind of wondering how it would all come together. Also our lead Brandon Soo Hoo is one of the most talented people out there, knowing him in real life and also getting to see his work. I was really excited to see his performance as well. And Henry Goldings, shamelessly.
Sherry Cola: I mean, to say, Brandon deserves the world.. that kid, Brandon, that dude, is just so talented. Period.
Leah Lewis: And showcases in his character Tom too, which I really love. I mean, obviously, Tom’s a bit younger than Brandon. But like, in ways I think all the people I mean, I don’t know Michelle Yeoh personally, I don’t know what I’m saying. But I feel like I resonate with my character a lot. Even seeing her play monkey, I was watching it and being like, oh, there’s so many little bits of Sherry in there too.
Sherry Cola: It’s the humanity that us AAPI folks have been dying to put on the screen. You know what I’m saying? As a collective it’s just so powerful.
The Tiger’s Apprentice comes exclusively to Paramount+ on February 2nd.
NEXT: The Tiger’s Apprentice Review: Boasts A Talented Cast
About The Tiger’s Apprentice
Based on the popular children’s book series of the same name by Laurence Yep, THE TIGER’S APPRENTICE follows Chinese-American teenager Tom Lee (Soo Hoo), whose life changes forever when he discovers he is part of a long lineage of magical protectors known as the Guardians.
With guidance from a mythical tiger named Hu (Golding), Tom trains to take on Loo (Yeoh), a force that is as powerful as a Guardian but with evil intentions to use magic to destroy humanity.
To have a fighting chance against Loo, Tom must reunite all twelve Zodiac animal warriors and master his own newly discovered powers.
The Tiger’s Apprentice comes exclusively to Paramount+ on February 2nd.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.